It probably never will, but on Thursday night, the Winnipeg Jets workhorse became the franchise's all-time leader in games played for goalies, passing former teammate Kari Lehtonen.

Pavelec, who appeared in his 18th game of 20 this season, made 22 saves as the Jets earned a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils before another packed house at MTS Centre.

“Of course, I knew it before the game. Like I said when I played my 200th game, I hope it’s going to be a lot more,” said Pavelec. “It’s just a number and I’m happy for every game I can play in this league. It wasn’t easy to make it, so I enjoy every game that I play.”

Pavelec was strong once again, but was quick to credit his posts for helping him on two occasions — in the first period on a shot from Ilya Kovalchuk and in the third after Adam Henrique broke in all alone.

“I had a little bit of luck, but you need it sometimes,” said Pavelec, who improved to 8-9-1. “It was a huge win for us.”

Since Al Montoya made consecutive starts on Feb. 9 and 12, Pavelec has been called upon to make eight straight and that number figures to extend to nine when the Jets host the Washington Capitals on Saturday.

“He’s in a good groove,” said Jets head coach Claude Noel. “He knows that he’s counted on, he knows he’s going to be relied upon and he’s going to play a heavy load. He’s in a good place, he’s got confidence and our team has confidence. I’m real happy with how he’s playing.”

Noel isn’t the only one.

“He was exceptional,” said Jets captain Andrew Ladd. “He’s making those key saves at key big times and is keeping us in the game, keeping it close. That’s all you can ask for from him.”

Pavelec, who signed a five-year deal with the Jets last summer, got off to a mediocre start to the season but has certainly elevated his game of late.

“He’s been stopping things and he’s out there to compete there every night — that’s something we need from him,” said Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien. “He gives us a chance to win every time. It’s good to know we’ve got someone back there to help us out and rely on.”

Winnipeg Jets goalie Pavelec doesn't play numbers game

It probably never will, but on Thursday night, the Winnipeg Jets workhorse became the franchise's all-time leader in games played for goalies, passing former teammate Kari Lehtonen.

Pavelec, who appeared in his 18th game of 20 this season, made 22 saves as the Jets earned a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils before another packed house at MTS Centre.

“Of course, I knew it before the game. Like I said when I played my 200th game, I hope it’s going to be a lot more,” said Pavelec. “It’s just a number and I’m happy for every game I can play in this league. It wasn’t easy to make it, so I enjoy every game that I play.”

Pavelec was strong once again, but was quick to credit his posts for helping him on two occasions — in the first period on a shot from Ilya Kovalchuk and in the third after Adam Henrique broke in all alone.